NBA Playoffs 2019: 3 Talking points from Milwaukee Bucks vs Toronto Raptors - Game 6

Final Score: Milwaukee Bucks 94-100 Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors are heading into the NBA Finals. They beat the Bucks in a six-game series to take the series 4-2. After being down in the series, they overcame the obstacles and reached their goal. Finally, the Raptors have reached the Finals.

The Raptors' playoff journey has been an interesting one. It involved a five-game series in the first round, a seven-game series in the second round and finally this series. Now, the Raptors are on the verge of making history. Game 6 was an exciting one that NBA fans could enjoy. It was a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats and gave them something to talk about. Here are three talking points from Game 6.

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#3 The Raptors advance to the NBA Finals

Kawhi Leonard holds the Eastern Conference Finals Trophy

With their Game 6 win, the Raptors won the series 4-2. They are the Eastern Conference champions and will advance to the NBA Finals. This is the first time in franchise history this has happened.

In Game 6, the Raptors had four players in double figures. Kawhi Leonard led the team with 27 points and 17 rebounds. He helped the Raptors overcome a 15-point deficit to win Game 6. He played well and helped Toronto win.

Pascal Siakam scored 18 points and Kyle Lowry scored 17. Fred VanVleet scored 14 points off the bench on 5-of-6 shooting. VanVleet struggled throughout the playoffs but picked up his game in the middle of this series.

In Game 4, he finished the game with 13 points. He was 5-of-6 in this game and provided a spark off the bench. He credited his sudden spark to the birth of his son. In Game 5, he scored 21 points and in Game 6 he scored 14. This is a complete turnaround from his 2-point game in Game 1. VanVleet is back to his normal self and will be a key bench player in the Finals. He stepped up at the right time.

After several disappointing years, the Raptors are in the Finals. Last year, they were swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round. LeBron James averaged 34 points against them including a 43-point game in Game 2. After the sweep, the Raptors fired their head coach (Dwane Casey). It was the second straight year they were swept by the Cavs and the third straight year they lost to the Cavs. The Raptors needed a change and took action.

The Raptors are in the Finals for the first time ever. Since the franchise's origin, they've waited for this moment. Throughout the years, they had stars such as Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Chris Bosh, and DeMar DeRozan. Now, they have Kawhi Leonard, who is a gifted player on both ends of the floor and he's helped them get to this point. He (and teammates such as long-time Raptor Kyle Lowry) can make history. It is up to them to achieve their goal.

#2 The Raptors overcome a 2-0 deficit

The Raptors beat the first seed Bucks

At the start of the series, the Bucks were arguably the favorites. The Raptors were fresh off a Game 7 series against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Bucks had time to rest after a "gentleman's sweep" against the Boston Celtics. This means they allowed their opponent to win one game to avoid the sweep. They beat the Celtics 4-1 and had time to rest before their series against the Raptors. The Bucks also swept the Detroit Pistons in the first round. In the first two games, it seemed like they could do the same against the Raptors.

The Raptors lost the first two games of the series. They lost Game 1 108-100 and Game 2 125-103. The series changed once the Raptors returned home. The Raptors won Game 3 118-112. The overtime win turned the series around. Toronto were down 2-1 but did something spectacular. They beat the Bucks in four straight games.

The Raptors had their ups and downs but fought their way to victory. They have more experience than the Bucks and it showed in this series. The Bucks are a team with a bright future but the Raptors' experience was too much for them. Certain players stepped up when it was needed (such as Kyle Lowry or Fred VanVleet) and it paid off. If anything, this series gave us a glimpse of a potential Eastern Conference rivalry for years to come. However, it was the Raptors who came out on top. A big part of their success revolved around their star forward Kawhi Leonard.

Leonard battled a leg injury throughout the series but managed to lead his team to victory. Leonard is already an NBA champion and could be on the verge of winning another, unless the Raptors' next opponent has something to say about it.

#1 Next up, the Warriors

The Raptors will face the Warriors in the Finals

The Raptors' next opponent is the defending champion. The Raptors will face Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.

The Warriors have been resting since Monday after sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference Finals. Game 4 went into overtime but the Warriors showed why they are the champions. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green both tallied triple-doubles in this game and helped lead their team to victory. Curry had 37 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. Green had 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. Both players stepped up when their team needed them the most and secured the Warriors' win. Their win led to the Warriors' fifth straight NBA Finals.

Now, the Warriors have their opponent. They face a team that beat them 2-0 in the season series. In November, the Raptors beat the Warriors 131-128 in overtime. Then, they beat the Warriors in December. They won 113-93. The Raptors beat the Warriors in the regular season but the NBA Finals are a different story. However, Toronto have a chance to win the series.

With Kevin Durant's status in the air, the Warriors may not have him for the start of the series. Durant last played in Game 5 of the Semifinals against the Rockets. The Warriors have played well without him but he is an important part of the Warriors. If he returns, he gives the Warriors an advantage.

The NBA Finals begin on May 30th. So, both teams have time to rest. The Warriors have 10 days and the Raptors have five. Regardless, both teams should use their time wisely.

The series between the Raptors and the Warriors will be a good one. While the Warriors have more experience, Toronto have the desire to win. This series will go to the team that wants it more.